Armenian political analyst warns of 'Moldovan scenario' in 2026 elections

Political analyst Suren Surenyants argues that Armenia risks repeating Moldova’s recent parliamentary election model, where democracy served as a façade for consolidating one-party rule.

In a social media post on Monday, he stated that President Maia Sandu’s team prevailed in Moldova not through genuine competition, but by dividing society into “pro-Western” and “pro-Russian” camps. Opposition forces were branded as “foreign agents” and sidelined, while accusations of “Russian interference” became a tool to control the political field.

According to Surenyants, the same strategy is taking shape in Armenia. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s team builds its legitimacy around anti-Russian rhetoric, exploiting polarization as its main source of authority. Meanwhile, parts of the opposition, still waiting for Moscow’s backing instead of creating an independent political agenda, only reinforce this dynamic.

If this trend continues, Surenyants warns the 2026 parliamentary elections could mirror Moldova’s scenario:

● the ruling party mobilizing support through anti-Russian hostility,

● opponents labeled as “foreign agents” or a “fifth column”,

● elections turning into a tool of power retention rather than genuine competition.

“Moldova is a clear warning,” he said. “Unless Armenia’s opposition develops a broad, independent and domestic agenda, the country will fall into the same trap, where democracy becomes merely a mechanism for power retention.”